Anyone who grew up in the 16-bit era of video games may be old enough to remember a graphically gorgeous game that hit store shelves for the Sega Genesis with a hero character that did nothing but kick major ass. Well, Strider makes a triumphant return on PlayStation 3 thanks to Capcom and Double Helix Games, and he is badder than ever.

Visually, Strider retains its glory of yesteryear with graphics that rival any classic side-scrolling platformer of its kind. The globally mechanical-futuristic look at feel of the game is excellent, and while updated with modern high-quality visuals, the game retains a familiar look to old sprite-based titles from days gone by. Animations follow suit and are brilliantly done as a blast from the past.

Like any good side-scroller, the audio plays a big part of how this game plays. Strider does an excellent job of informing the player of enemies and other interactions through auditory means as well as it does visually. The background music also retains that old school feel while not getting so crazy as to be midi-based, which also helps update it for a current generation.

At its core, Strider is really nothing more than a side-scrolling hack-n-slash platformer. Rather than attacking zombies or mutants though, Strider unleashes against robots, mechs, humans, and other baddies from the future. Climb sickle and cypher in hand, Strider does what any classic game hero sets out to do… rid the world of evil. Like any old school game, one of the best parts of Strider is the inclusion of mini-bosses and eventually full blown bosses that stand in his way. The pace of this game also is stepped up in a very good way, adding extra challenge at certain points that give a sense of accomplishment that gets lost in so many titles nowadays (man, that makes me sound old!)

As you progress throughout the levels, you’ll often encounter these mini-boss battles that cut away and give you a quick rundown of the character you face, some impeccable trash talking, and then the battle begins. Entering these truly feels like you hopped into a time machine and went back to some of the glory years of videogame history, also adding a lot of Japanese flair. Just like the hordes of enemies you’ll encounter as you progress, boss characters have very distinct moves that can be figured out and used against them in victory. For those that may be familiar with another of Capcom’s franchises, Mega Man, but not so much with Strider, you’ll feel right at home in all its old school gameplay.

Levels within Strider are brilliant as well, allowing for multiple paths to be taken in many cases and can even allow for the hero to use his upgraded abilities to access areas that he otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Strider’s main feature is the ability to climb and hang with his sickle, as well as then jump from wall to wall or to the next platform, wall, or overhang. Along the way, you’ll also be able to learn new tricks that help grant access to areas that may be needed to complete a level or just act as secret areas where unlockables are found (gotta love the "POW" icon references!), including those to unlock Challenge Modes that are actually a challenge! What would a game like this be without some old school power-ups too? Oh yeah, they’re there if you find them.

Strider is one of those rare gems that really isn’t all that difficult in the sense that getting started is easy, but the further you get into the game, the more chaos ensues around you. As such, it’s easy to find yourself in situations where you have multiple enemies shooting you from all angles. With levels that not only scroll horizontally, but also vertically, fire can literally come from all directions. Sometimes it can take a failed attempt or two in navigation to help determine the best course of action rather than just running and gunning (but that’s pretty fun too!). In addition, using the obstacles as a way to block firepower from hitting you can sometimes save your life, but nothing beats timing as an ally in this fight.

Throughout the levels, there are a number of energy icons to slash that will add to Strider’s overall health though, so if you do take some damage, chances are in the surrounding area you’ll find some relief. Sometimes this comes from obvious places right in front of your eyes, and other times you may have to dig or climb to find health just hanging around. It stands to reason then that if you see a lot of health available, you may want to prepare for impending doom. As you progress, you’ll also notice there is a mini-map of the level with a destination point and distance that is vital to helping out with navigation.

As mentioned, Strider also implements boss battles that take a bit more persistence than typical enemies. When you find them, you’ll immediately know it as you are treated with an almost comic-like cutscene typical of Capcom fashion just before the action begins. With each boss comes routine, and with routine comes vulnerability. Discover them and time your moves to overcome and move on to the next save point because, thankfully you cannot just save at any time.

Strider as a side-scroller would be just another arcade-style shooter. What stands Strider apart from the legions that are now available is the ability to climb, drop, dash, and hack. Vertical movement is just as important as horizontal, which makes the gameplay element of climbing ever-important. It has been mentioned that Strider is a bit of a hack-n-slash style game, and his weapon of choice is a cypher that amplifies the whoosh factor.

Upgrades are earned as well, so combining controller presses can allow additional moves and power, even though you’ll find a lot of button-mashing within. While button-mashing isn’t typically a game style I’m in favor of, there is just something relevant about the presentation and chaos that works in Strider when combined with the stickiness of the climbing mechanic.

In all, anyone looking for an old school game of kick-ass can’t go wrong with Strider. The gameplay is perfect on modern consoles, but the developers did an outstanding job along with bringing nostalgia factor to this all-new Strider adventure.